Mechanistic Insights Into Zn‐Promoted CO 2 Electroreduction on α‐CuZn Alloys in Aprotic Media

How Zn enhances the performance of Cu electrocatalysts for RR in nonaqueous electrolytes remains an open question. Herein, we address this question by combining electrochemical measurements, kinetic modeling, and DFT calculations to elucidate Zn's role in boosting the electrocatalytic activity of Cu. Cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry reveal enhanced reduction activity with increasing Zn content, up to threefold higher current density at 25 wt.% Zn. Kinetic modeling attributes this to improved activation, while DFT confirms that Zn sites energetically stabilize Cu‐adsorbed . This work uncovers the mechanism behind CuZn alloys’ superior performance, guiding design of efficient RR catalysts for sustainable energy conversion.

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Publication Details

Journal
ChemSusChem
Published
2026-10-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.70800
Primary Topic
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Mechanistic Insights Into Zn‐Promoted CO 2 Electroreduction on α‐CuZn Alloys in Aprotic Media

Felix Studt, Georg Kastlunger, Ulrike Krewer, Liana A. Savintseva et al.
2 links
ChemSusChem
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
article

Mechanistic Insights Into Zn‐Promoted CO 2 Electroreduction on α‐CuZn Alloys in Aprotic Media

Felix Studt, Georg Kastlunger, Ulrike Krewer, Liana A. Savintseva, Philipp Röse, Niklas Oppel
article en

Abstract

How Zn enhances the performance of Cu electrocatalysts for RR in nonaqueous electrolytes remains an open question. Herein, we address this question by combining electrochemical measurements, kinetic modeling, and DFT calculations to elucidate Zn's role in boosting the electrocatalytic activity of Cu. Cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry reveal enhanced reduction activity with increasing Zn content, up to threefold higher current density at 25 wt.% Zn. Kinetic modeling attributes this to improved activation, while DFT confirms that Zn sites energetically stabilize Cu‐adsorbed . This work uncovers the mechanism behind CuZn alloys’ superior performance, guiding design of efficient RR catalysts for sustainable energy conversion.

ChemSusChemVol. 19(21)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (DE), Kerntechnische Entsorgung Karlsruhe (Germany) (DE), Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Novo Nordisk Fonden
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
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